Maggie’s Monster Bike & Hike: 72 Miles by Hoof & Wheel

I’ve taken part in a few monster challenges over the years, but none so far have actually had the honesty to name themselves accordingly. Not so the challenge being run by the charity Maggie’s this May. If you’re looking for something big to motivate your Spring training, then the Maggie’s Monster Bike and Hike might just do the trick!

Just last week I was in contact with Milly Bellotti about the Maggie’s Monster and she sent through some handy info. So, instead of listening to me blether on about it, here’s Milly herself, providing all you need to know:

Are you someone who seeks adventure and challenges? Are you ready to push yourself to the limit? Look no further, the Maggie’s Monster Bike + Hike is for you. It’s an exciting 24-hour event where teams of two to six people bike 31 miles and hike 9, 23 or 31 miles to the bronze, silver and gold finishes. It begins on the 3^rd of May and takes place in the Scottish Highlands, along the Great Glen Way.

“An amazing experience – great atmosphere, fantastic support and a real physical and mental challenge. When you cross the line, you feel on top of the world – proud of your achievement and proud to be helping such a fantastic charity!”

Karen, 2013 Monster participant

The course record is an impressive 9 hours and 34 minutes. You can check out the video below – it shows last year’s event  and will give you an idea of what to expect.

Need even more of a reason to sign up? It’s for a fantastic cause. Maggie’s is a charity which provides free practical, emotional and social support for people with cancer and their families and friends. Maggie’s Centres are warm, welcoming places to find practical advice and emotional support; places to meet other people or simply to sit quietly with a cup of tea. For more information about the brilliant work Maggie’s does, please go to: http://www.maggiescentres.org/

The Monster Bike + Hike succeeded in raising over £500,000 last year and this year’s goal is to raise enough money to open two new Maggie’s Centres in Lanarkshire and Forth Valley.

So, who is daring enough to take up the challenge? Sign up here!

I’ve been tempted by the Maggie’s Monster a few times over the past 5 years, but I’ve never quite got my ass in gear to enter. The running has always been a bit of a stickler, if I’m honest. Why hoof it when you have wheels, after all? But, with the team option, and the fact that I’m doing a lot more running this year in prep for a possible marathon, maybe it’s time.

Tell me Your Maggie’s Monster Bike & Hike Stories

To motivate me and everyone else out there, if you’re competed in the Maggie’s monster before, let me know how it was. What variation did you do? We always like to hear about the debacles here on Mountain Bikes Apart, so the more disasters the better – as long as you triumphed a the end of course!